Porta Santo Stefano

Porta Santo Stefano is one of the most fascinating gates of the third ring of walls in Bologna, a symbol that tells centuries of history through its imposing structure. Located in the eastern part of the city, along the road to Florence, the gate stands in Piazza di Porta Santo Stefano, where Via Santo Stefano turns into Via Augusto Murri. Originally built in the 13th century, Porta Santo Stefano has undergone numerous renovations and restorations over time, which have changed its appearance while maintaining its strategic and symbolic function intact. The history of Porta Santo Stefano is closely linked to the political and military events of the city. In 1512, during a siege, the gate was severely damaged by artillery fire, with the destruction of the original tower. Already the following year, the gate was equipped with a new structure to strengthen its defenses. However, the most significant transformation took place in 1843, when the previous buildings were completely demolished and replaced by a new monumental passage, the so-called “Gregorian barrier”. This intervention was commissioned by Pope Gregory XVI and designed by the architect Filippo Antolini. The new structure included two buildings, still existing, which gave the gate an imposing and monumental appearance. During the construction of the Futa road, which connected Bologna to Florence, Porta Santo Stefano became an important transit point for traffic and commercial exchanges between the two cities. The gate was closed by two pillars and a large iron gate, which are now located at the entrance of the Giardini Margherita Park, near Porta Castiglione. The last official entrance through Porta Santo Stefano was that of the King of Italy Vittorio Emanuele II, an event that highlights the symbolic and historical importance of this structure. With the demolition of the walls in 1902, the two buildings of Porta Santo Stefano were used for various purposes, including public baths, headquarters of the municipal police and the Committee for Historical and Artistic Bologna, as well as a section of the Italian Socialist Party. In the 1970s, the gate also became a center for self-management experiences, hosting the Anarchist Circle Berneri and, from 1997 to 2015, Atlantide, a collective that brought together transfeminist, lesbian, queer, and punk groups. This evolution reflects Bologna’s ability to adapt and reuse its historical spaces to meet the contemporary needs of the community.